Thursday, May 3, 2012

Celebrating a birthday and mourning a loss...

May 2 and May 3rd will always be like that in our family now: We celebrate Harper's birthday on May 2nd and we mourn the loss of my dad on May 3rd. But there's something about Harper and my dad. It's not that they were particularly close when he was alive. I don't really have a lot of pictures of them together but of course she knew her Granddaddy and loved him and would sit with him but it's after he died is when she seemed closer to him and would says things about him being in Heaven and watching over us and how she tells me:

"He will always be your daddy."

In which I tell her she is right, he will always be my daddy. So when I was looking at pictures of my dad last night to put on the blog I wanted to see what the very last picture was that I took and I'm pretty sure that anyone took of my dad. It was last February and we were celebrating his birthday.

So the very last picture of him was with Harper. I was a little surprised when I saw it and then I just started crying because it just seems to fit. Two people in our family that we love very much and that we'll always be thinking about at the same time because of a birthday and a death. And then these things that Harper shares or says about him....it just seems perfect.

We love you and miss you dad. You're in our thoughts today and every day.

5 comments:

Such a beautiful post Adrienne. Someone once told me when I lost my Mom that the time I had with her here is so small compared to the time I will have with her in eternity. I still miss her everyday, but it helps a little.

Your post brought tears to my eyes. My dad passed away when I was 18 and now 13 years later, I still think about him EVERY SINGLE DAY. And you and Harper are right, He will always be my daddy. Hugs to you on this tough day.

I love that picture of Harper and your dad - how special! Mikey (our little guy) was born on the exact same day(two years later though)from when my father passed away. And although my dad never had the chance to meet Mikey I know he knows all about what is going on and looking over us. Your children will remember their Grandpa forever especially if you let the pictures and stories live on like you do! Mikey who obviously never met my dad says "Grandpa Ski" when he sees a picture of him - it makes me laugh! I also wanted to comment on your stress re: Bennett's evaluation and preschool. It is going to work out - it is just another stepping stone but you will look back next year and be like "why was I so worried". I stayed up so many nights worrying about the decisions I was making with Mikey's school and the class he was going in and I can now say "wow what a great year!" Of course I am already starting to worry about next year so I guess this may be the way it is at least for awhile :) But each year shows me that it all works out. Good luck and keep running to clear your head! Stephanie

Your post is such a tender testimony of your love for your Dad as well as for your family! I absolutely love the way Harper and your Dad are looking at each other! Gave me cold chills, not to mention tears! I lost my Dad when I was 12 and I still miss him a bunch. The reason we think about them all the time is because they are with us every single day!

I'll be saying a prayer for you. I lost my mom in November after a four month, horrible battle with a malignant brain tumor. It isn't something should ever have to go through. Watching your parents wither away so quickly at such a young age just isn't fair. But I know that He is getting me through this and that He will be there for you as well. I blogged some about my mom's battle last year if you get a chance, but I just wanted to drop you a comment today.